Are you getting the hang of a new norm? Are you wearing masks when outside? Trying to maintain a safe distance when in stores? Dr. Fauci is still my hero and my go to for information regarding this virus - won't discuss the other people yammering away and saying nothing that makes any sense. You know I don't discuss politics here, but I will say that I have come to admire a few governors across the country and a few that I think need to go (but that's my opinion). I won't name names as they have their own reasons for doing what they are doing, but.....you can't fix stupid! I would rather be inconvenienced that jeopardize the health and well-being of many (again, my opinion).
My overall week went well. I worked for a few hours every day so my routine was pretty steady. My clients were a little cranky, but overall making it through each day. As one client has a pt/ot therapist come usually at some point when I'm there, the spouse requested I partake in an online workout group that was started in their community. She normally works out in the pool several times per week, but with it closed she wanted to try an alternative. I partook in part of three classes (yes she decided to try them all on one day) - chair aerobics, chair yoga, and chair stretch (my client went to sleep during this one). They were all well done and I must say because I was fully in in work clothes mode, I worked up a little sweat. It felt good to move the muscles though. Guess I really need to start moving more again.
My heart goes out to those who have lost their jobs or had to close businesses. Yet, at the same time, I am so grateful to those who have changed their business model or determined new ways of doing business and keeping people employed. I find it amazing when people/companies can come up with new ideas for products or re-purposing of old ones which will help many. The proverb: "necessity is the motherhood of invention" comes to mind.
There are so many classes, concerts, etc available for free online right now and I do hope you are taking advantage of them when you can. I watched Andre Bocelli in Milan on Easter Sunday - amazing! I also can't believe the memes and gifs (yes I know what they are) that people post on FB...I just don't have that much creativity.
I drive by many mcmansions on my way to one of my clients town. I must say it amazes me that people have that much house with a three/four car garage and have six cars in the driveway. When I first saw these houses I thought wow they have a lot of people living in that house. Then I thought wow they have a lot of "stuff" if they can't even park in their own garage. Then I thought perhaps they converted their garage to a gym or music studio. I will never know what's happening in those houses I see, but it keeps me occupied on my drive. As you can tell, I have quite an imagination for creating stories...LOL! Perhaps that's why I did well in classes where I had to write essays for grades vice taking a test.
I used video chat with my sister for the first time - got tired of messages/texting back/forth. I surprised her as it was not something I've done much of before. Great to see her smiling, but tired face as I caught her when she got home from her shift at the hospital. Have you been using video chat more? Some of my friends are discussing the possibility of having a virtual happy hour this week so I'll let you know how it goes.
I've talked previously about when I think of someone I reach out or check on them. Well, this past week I was contacted by a man I went to elementary school with! I have not seen or heard from elementary classmates in close to 50 years. From the 5th through 8th grades I attended a small catholic elementary school. When we graduated 95% of us scattered to different high schools and lost touch. On FB, I follow some Boston pages and he saw I had put a sad face emoji on a post. He texted and we are now FB friends, but I have to admit he remembers much more than I do about those days. We have been able to laugh through a few stories as he jogged my memory. Have you been contacted by someone from your long ago past?
This week I finished reading: "THE DUTCH HOUSE" by Ann Patchett. Well written novel about a big house and the family who lived in it. I also finished "THE GIVER OF STARS" by Jojo Moyes. So a wonderful read about 1930s Kentucky and the traveling library.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about: (I completely forgot to post this last week).
April 19
National Garlic Day
National Hanging Out Day
April 20
Chinese Language Day
Look Alike Day
Patriot's Day - third Monday of the month
Volunteer Recognition Day
April 21
Kindergarten Day
National Library Workers Day - Tuesday of Library Week in April
April 22
Administrative Professionals Day (Executive Admin's Day, Secretary's Day) - date varies
Earth Day (U.S.)
Girl Scout Leader Day
National Jelly Bean Day
April 23
Lover's Day
National Zucchini Bread Day - they hold this at a time when you are not sick of all that zucchini.
Ramadan - begins at sundown, date varies
Take a Chance Day
Take Your Daughter to Work 4th Thursday
World Laboratory Day
April 24
Arbor Day -last Friday of month
Pig in a Blanket Day
April 25
East Meets West Day
National DNA Day
World Penguin Day
I am going to leave it here for today. The sun is coming over the houses and I hope it's a nice day where you are. Please stay safe...take those extra precautions. Find peace in the quiet and the beauty that surrounds you. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"Life is not what happened back there or what might happen up ahead. Life is like the rhythm of the heart — every breath, every blink of the eye. It is beat by beat, moment by moment. This…is all there is. This…is all we need." - Andy Puddicombe
"Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking." - Marcus Aurelius
"Do stuff. Be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration’s shove or society’s kiss on your forehead. Pay attention. It’s all about paying attention. Attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. Stay eager." - Susan Sontag